Latest Injury Update on Max Scherzer

Scherzer was scratched from his most recent Grapefruit League start due to a sore thumb. It is not considered serious and the Blue Jays fully expect Scherzerto be ready in time to start the regular season.

While a sore thumb may not seem like a big deal, Scherzer dealt with nerve damage last year, limiting him to just nine games, and given that the nerve issues affected his thumb, the Blue Jays are being overly cautious.

Scherzer has looked his old self this spring. In three starts, he has struck out 14 over nine innings while compiling a 2.00 ERA and 0.33 WHIP

There are seven Spring Training games left. While the Blue Jays certainly don't want to rush Scherzer, he will need at least one more start to gauge whether or not he is ready for the regular season.

If things go sideways and Scherzer ends up having to start the season on the IL, the Blue Jays could get creative with the 5th spot in the rotation. Bowden Francis would likely be moved up a day, and somebody like Yariel Rodriguez, Jake Bloss, or even Ryan Yarbrough or Eric Lauer could temporarily take Scherzer's spot.

There is no indication that Scherzer won't be ready but will use the minor league start as a way to test the range of motion in his thumb.

The regular season begins on March 27th against the Orioles. Scherzer is scheduled to pitch the final game of the four game series.